Caledon State Park

A National Natural Landmark known for its old growth forest and summer home to one of the largest concentrations of American bald eagles on the East Coast, Caledon State Park attracts bird watchers of all ages. Eagle tours are offered seasonally, and forest trails are open year-round. Primitive paddle-in and hike-in camping by reservation is available.

Outdoor adventures include:

Wildlife Observation

Hiking Trails

Picnicking

Westmoreland State Park

Westmoreland State Park in Westmoreland County extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, which Horsehead Cliffs overlook. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps created during the Great Depression.

Outdoor adventures include:

Trails for hiking

Swimming Pool

Boating - motorboats permitted

Saltwater fishing, pier

Rent paddleboats, kayaks and paddleboards

Hampton Roads Region = Oceanside Adventures

Chippokes Plantation State Park

Once the site of the few legal distilleries in the Commonwealth, Chippokes Plantation State Park borders the creek named for an Indian Chief who befriended early English settlers. The park is also one of the oldest working farms in the United States.

Outdoor adventures include:

Trails for biking, hiking, horseback Other

Boating

Olympic-size and Kiddie Swimming Pools

Freshwater fishing

False Cape State Park

In the 1800s, False Cape was known as a "ship's graveyard." One of the area's first communities, Wash Woods, was developed by survivors of a shipwreck! Access to the park is by foot, tram or boat, and primitive camping is available with prior registration. The park is next to Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach.

Outdoor adventures include:

Trails for biking and hiking

Motorboats are permitted on the Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is the state's most popular park! In 1607, 100 English settlers landed there and established the first elective government before moving on up to James River to establish Jamestown.

Outdoor adventures include:

Trails for biking and hiking

Fishing

Swimming in the Chesapeake Bay

Rent kayaks

York River State Park

York River State Park was once Taskinas Plantation and the site of a 17th-century public tobacco warehouse where local planters stored their crops before being shipped. The York River runs long its border.

Outdoor adventures include:

Trails for biking, hiking, horseback

Fishing - both freshwater and saltwater

Motorboats are allowed on the river

Rent rowboats, paddlesboats, canoes

Eastern Shore Region = Birders' Paradise

Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park is a prime spot to watch bird migrations and was named in honor of the young king of the Accawmack Indians who befriended early settlers. Its name means "Big Water."